Foreskin's Lament

A Memoir

By: Shalom Auslander

Narrated by: Shalom Auslander

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

Shalom Auslander was raised with a terrified respect for God. Even as he grew up and was estranged from his community, his religion, and its traditions, he could not find his way to a life where he didn't struggle against God daily.

Foreskin's Lament reveals Auslander's youth in a strict, socially isolated Orthodox community, and recounts his rebellion and efforts to make a new life apart from it. Auslander remembers his youthful attempt to win the "blessing bee" (the Orthodox version of a spelling bee), his exile to an Orthodox-style reform school in Israel after he's caught shoplifting Union Bay jeans from the mall, and his 14-mile hike to watch the New York Rangers play in Madison Square Garden without violating the Sabbath. Throughout, Auslander struggles to understand God and His complicated, often contradictory laws. He tries to negotiate with God and His representatives: a day of sin-free living for a day of indulgence, a blessing for each profanity. But ultimately, Auslander settles for a peaceful cease-fire, a standoff with God, and accepts the very slim remaining hope that his newborn son might live free of guilt, doubt, and struggle.

Auslander's combination of unrelenting humor and anger renders a rich and fascinating portrait of a man grappling with his faith, family, and community.

©2007 Shalom Auslander (P)2007 Peguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

“Fierce, funny, and subversively heartfelt...With his middle finger pointed at the heavens and a hand held over his heart, Auslander gives us Foreskin’s Lament. Mazel tov to him. And God? Well, he’ll survive.” (New York Times Book Review)

“A laugh-out-loud quarrel with God.” (Newsweek)

“A terrific book I was sad I read in so few sittings, because I wanted more.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

Uneven ( & must love cuss words)

At first I thought: "Enough!" -- we've had too many stories of growing up in dysfunctional families and/or abusive authoritarian patriarchal religious systems, and besides, the constant swearing started to feel abusive to MY ears. But I picked up the listen again, only to put it down after another session, tired of the author-victim's contast whine, even if that style was part of the point he was making. But since the ultra-orthodox, dysfunctional Jewish family storyline was different background (at least to me), I resumed and am very glad that I did, as the memoir does amount ironically in the end to decent "theological reflection", as the book's promo promises. I preferred Naomi Alderman's novel, "Disobedience" on the same theme, however. (Maybe I am just too old for all that cussing-- at least in audio format)

I think the author could have circumsized several of the anecdotes from his boyhood/teen years and made a shorter and more effective book. Unlike some of the other listeners, I did like the author's narration since it was memoir, and his sardonic tone suited his writing voice.

Amazing

Listening to this book I heard my childhood read to me. Thank you for putting to words the complicated love/hate relationship we have with god.

Holy Crap…Auslander’s God is nuts and his parents are no better.

This memoir is unbelievably funny and painful. All his books have been on a to read list for years, but after listening to Foreskin’s
Lament, Hope: A Tragedy and Mother for Dinner just got moved to the top of the list.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Outrageously funny, wickedly terrifying, wildly insightful. I look forward to reading everything that Auslander writes.

Recovering Orthodox [insert religion here]

Despairingly dry, funny, tragic, painful, and uplifting.

I am a fan of Shalom's writing and his appearances on This American Life. His story is relatable to anyone who grew up in a religiously observant household, no matter the religion. Yes, he was raised as an Ultra Orthodox Jew, but his observations regarding strict religious rules, both rational and irrational and the blind faith required of such rules, can be understood by people raised in most world religions.

There were times I wanted to give up on the book, but then I remembered that many of the damaging, negative, threatening thoughts he expresses were thoughts I had too until I was into my 30s. Yes, he has an active imagination, and yes, he is very all-or-nothing/black and white in his thinking, but when one is raised in a world that demands that type of thinking from you-it's not so easy to see and live grey.

The ending is very rewarding.

Best memoir I have listened to in my life!

I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I purchased this book, and actually put in on the back-burner because I thought it would really suck.

It turns out that this is the best autobiography that I have ever listened to (or read) in my 48 years on this planet.

The memoir is very well written, full of great humour, and anyone who was raised by one or two domineering Jewish parents will especially relate to this book.

As an added bonus, the author narrates the books, which adds much authenticity to the story. I didn't even realize until the end of the book that is was narrated by the author, and kept thinking: What a great narrator; he really understands this story.

Those who already open minded will love this book; those who aren't will hopefully learn a few things!

Oh Shalom-I just love you

I too left the faith of my family and I get what that journey is all about. Orly is right, they really did a number on Shalom. Auslander speaks so deeply to the pain of spiritual abuse. By Shalom Auslander's stripes I am healed. I hope you reach your promised land. I have found mine!

Incredible and moving

Religion, doubt, pain, family, life, hope, heartache, all wrapped up very well in truth and humor. A++

If my yetzer harah could write

Foreskin's Lament is the James Frey's "Million Little Pieces" for the Jewish world. It is extremely well written, and narrated. It is a serious, intense, incredibly funny and thoughtful book. The difference between the two books is largely accessibilty: a strong Jewish background is necessary to fully appreciate the references, language and context. By in large, I found it compelling. However, the author seems to cross the line of privacy, with regard to his mother, which did not add to the literary value and, I felt, was unecessarily cruel.

brilliant title

there's a lot to like, but I especially appreciate it learning the meaning of the title at the end of the book. profound/

Unforgettable story and great narration

Auslander is the perfect narrator for his memoir. He grabs you from the beginning and talks in your ear during the entire roller coaster of his childhood, youth, and just when you don't think you can take it anymore, adulthood. An unforgettable read.